Harmonious Beef and Mushroom Stew
A deeply comforting stew featuring tender beef and earthy mushrooms simmered in a rich, herb-infused broth for a weeknight favorite. This american-inspired soups ready in about 145 minutes pairs beef stew meat, cremini mushrooms, medium yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs beef stew meat dry with paper towels; season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then brown meat in batches for 5 minutes per side; set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 2 medium sliced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over vegetables, stirring to combine. Gradually pour in 3 cups beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Step 4: Return beef to pot with 8 oz cremini mushrooms, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Step 5: Remove lid, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harmonious Beef and Mushroom Stew take to make?
Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Harmonious Beef and Mushroom Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef stew meat from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harmonious Beef and Mushroom Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Harmonious Beef and Mushroom Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Harmonious Beef and Mushroom Stew?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this harmonious are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.